Legal Definitions - laudatio

Definition: In Roman law, laudatio refers to court testimony given in favor of an accused person's good behavior and integrity of life. This is similar to the modern practice of calling witnesses to speak positively about a defendant's character in criminal trials.

Examples:

• A witness is called to testify that the accused has always been a law-abiding citizen and has never been involved in any criminal activity. This is an example of laudatio.
• In a trial, the defense calls several witnesses to testify about the accused's charitable work and community involvement. This is also an example of laudatio.

These examples illustrate how laudatio is used to provide evidence of an accused person's good character and reputation. By presenting testimony from individuals who can vouch for the accused's integrity and positive contributions to society, the defense can attempt to sway the jury in their favor.